Calf Implants 101

Although buttock augmentation is the most common procedure I perform, I have dedicated years to specializing in all areas of implant procedures, calf implants being one such type. ​Although calf implants have been around for awhile now, very few plastic surgeons specialize in this operation today. This is definitely a procedure that you want a expert to perform and it is worth traveling to find one! The implants are made of soft semi-solid silicone rubber and placed surgically through a small (3/4 inch) incision in a natural crease behind the knee. When the implants are properly sized and placed under the muscle fascia, they should blend in and look natural. There are too many critical nerves and blood vessels under the muscle to risk this technique or risk an amateur surgeon!!!

All surgery comes with post-operative pain and recovery. For calf implants, the first two weeks after surgery is the most difficult time because walking is painful. However most patients ambulate just fine without crutches, some choose to use them for the first 3-5 days. Recovery usually progresses at a smooth steady pace after the initial two weeks. Patients can fly back home as soon as 4-5 days post-op. Driving a car is usually allowed after 7-10 days. Low intensity seated upper body workouts can resume at 2-3 weeks, standing at 4 weeks but no legs for 6 weeks…remember, you only have one chance to heal properly.

Other than favorable genetics combined with rigorous consistent exercise, there is no other way to augment or restore (in the cases of genetic or acquired disease/trauma) the calf muscles besides calf implants. Fat transfer will NOT work, period! Do you have questions about calf implants? Give our office a call at 310-278-0077 and I will be happy to answer them!